An Ethiopian migrant faces three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly killing three employees at his St. Paul, Minnesota apartment complex over a $65 monthly parking contract dispute. Authorities identified the suspect as Tsegaab Ademassu Binessu, 30.
Investigators believe Binessu became angered when told he could not cancel his recently renewed parking contract after selling his car. Prosecutors said Binessu then went to the management office, where he allegedly opened fire on the staff. Three employees were killed: Nansi G. Fuentes Zambrano, 25; Dena M. Silcox, 56; and Adam J. Wilwerding, 43.
Surveillance footage showed Binessu interacting with Wilwerding and Silcox before allegedly drawing a firearm from his waistband and shooting Wilwerding multiple times. Court documents state that after Wilwerding fell, Binessu then shot Silcox several times. Screams were heard from a hallway, followed by more gunshots, where Fuentes Zambrano was located.
Police apprehended Binessu while he was driving a stolen vehicle from the complex. Inside the car, authorities found his U.S. passport, Social Security card, an empty handgun magazine, and his firearm permit. During questioning, Binessu reportedly expressed frustration with the U.S. immigration system, stating that he had been unable to bring his wife and children to the country for seven years, which he attributed to his divorce.
Binessu also allegedly told investigators that he believed he was treated unfairly because he is Black and an immigrant. He reportedly stated that he had lost his wife, children, business, and peace of mind, and that life no longer made sense without his family.
Binessu had previously worked as a truck driver but quit two months prior to the incident and had expressed aspirations of joining the U.S. Navy. His roommate told authorities that Binessu had confessed to the killings in a phone call and stated he was walking to the police station.